Jacob Bunn's 2011 Mississippi State Football Preview

 

Posted on June 21, 2011 by Jacob Bunn

Predicted 2011 Record:  8-4 (4-4)

Dan Mullen has restored confidence to the Mississippi State program after two seasons as the head coach. The offensive system that he implemented while he was offensive coordinator at Florida has brought success in Starkville also.

Returning this season for the bulldogs at quarterback is Chris Relf. He saw his share of success and adversity last season but seems determined to take the Bulldogs to bigger and better things. But, Relf will not be alone. Senior Vick Ballard looks to make an impact at running back, and Chad Bumphis leads Mississippi State’s receiving corps. My message to all Bulldog opponents this year:  Don’t sleep on State.

This is how I see Mississippi State’s 2011 season shaking out:

Sept 3 – Memphis – Win 28-7

Sept 10 – @Auburn – Loss 21-17

Sept 17 – LSU – Loss 19-14

Sept 24 – Louisiana Tech – Win 24-10

Oct 1 – @Georgia – Loss 18-17

Oct 8 – @UAB – Win 41-14

Oct 15 – South Carolina – Win 28-24

Oct 22 – Off

Oct 29 – @Kentucky – Win 17-14

Nov 5 – Tennessee Martin – Win 56-6

Nov 12 – Alabama – Loss 25-21

Nov 19 – @Arkansas – Win 34-28

Nov 26 – Ole Miss – Win 30-21

An 8-4 season should probably be considered a success in Starkville, but coach Mullen has set the bar so high some State fans may think of it as lackluster. A bumpy start with losses to SEC West rivals Auburn and LSU is capped off by a nice finish with wins over Arkansas, South Carolina, and rival Ole Miss. This should be a decent season for Mississippi State. I think the Bulldogs will be bowling in January once again.